Bike Valet offers a unique spin on bicycle storage

Wall-mounted bike-hanging hooks are certainly a good way of keeping a bicycle off of the floor and out of the way, but let's be honest ... they're also often used as a means of displaying a particularly nice bike, almost as if it's a work of art. That being the case, some cyclists might find it a little counter-intuitive to use plain old hardware store hooks for showing off their masterpiece of motorless transportation. That's where the Bike Valet comes in. Not only does the bike-hanging device look pretty snazzy, but it also incorporates some practical features.

One of the Bike Valet's interesting innovations is its over-and-under cantilevered design. While gravity keeps the rear end of the bicycle's top tube resting on the upper surface of one of the padded arms, leverage causes the front end to swing up and press against the underside of the other arm. The system reportedly works for a number of unconventionally-shaped tube types (such as those found on some carbon fiber bikes), although other models are in the works for extra-weird tubes, and for frame configurations other than the basic diamond.

Besides looking a little sharper than a couple of hooks, the Bike Valet also installs on just one wall stud. Additionally, it has built-in hangers at the top and bottom, for storing a helmet and a backpack or U-lock. It is constructed from laser-cut eighth-inch steel, and is available in several powder-coated paint colors. Buyers can choose between neoprene or leather arm padding.

The Bike Valet was created by Sacramento furniture designers Steven Tiller and Stephanie Birch, who are currently raising funds on Kickstarter for moving up to larger-scale production. If you don't like the looks of the product, well, Steven doesn't mind. "I don't believe you can be all things to all people, and the design of the Bike Valet is not trying to be universal," he told us. "I imagine people will either love it or not understand it. I am at peace with that. I design objects and pieces for me, that I love the form of. I am always pleased when others find joy in them as well."

A pledge of US$75 will get you a Valet of your own, which should cost $95 once they get into stores.